HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, Holiday Younger made Edison High School (EHS) history as the first-ever graduation speaker from their Special Abilities Cluster (SAC).

SAC is a comprehensive, integrated program at EHS that meets the needs of students with developmental disabilities. Holiday is one of many remarkable SAC students who are given incredible opportunities and support through SAC, including a full and complete high school experience alongside general education students. While experiencing high school with Down Syndrome is no easy feat, Holiday has overcome many challenges to ensure she has left her mark on EHS and cultivated the best experience possible.

Throughout Holiday’s high school career, she has been an active participant in many of Edison’s programs including ASB, Pepsters, Choir, and Musical Theater. She has participated in many of the school's beloved traditions, including the making and hanging of posters for Bell Week, and has even been the force behind starting new traditions. Because of Holiday’s influence and connection to her peers, all Edison Chargers, staff and students alike, wear crazy socks in support of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.

Holiday’s journey to the graduation podium has not come without hard work and commitment. When applying to be a senior speaker, she was required to follow the same process as every other applicant. Holiday submitted a written speech by the deadline, received feedback and revisions, and delivered her speech to a staff panel of judges at the try-out. To ensure she was prepared for this opportunity, Holiday worked tirelessly with her Speech Pathologist, Laura Irving, and teacher Hannah Cherney, while also having support from her ASB Advisor, Autumn Garcia.

EHS Assistant Principal and SAC Special Programs Administrator, Joey Loomis, said it best when asked to describe Holiday, “She’s a risk taker, she doesn’t back down from a challenge.”

“As we go our separate ways,” stated Holiday in her graduation speech, “We need to continue to be inclusive and help those who might be different. We all have things that make us special, and we need to celebrate them. We need to help the world be a better place. Thank you and go Chargers!”

When Holiday was asked about what this experience has meant to her, she said, in her briefly profound way, “Love.” She exclaimed that this experience has made her feel “full of love.” 

The Huntington Beach Union High School District is so impressed by Holiday and how she has inspired so many students and staff members throughout Edison High School and the district. We have no doubt she will continue to impact those around her as she moves forward in these next phases of life, and we can’t wait to see all she will accomplish!